Analyzing Artifacts Using Spectroscopy

Spectroscopy can provide artifact researchers with a non- invasive/non-destructive tool for analyzing valuable artwork and historical artifacts including paintings, manuscripts, tapestries, frescos, glass objects, archaeological finds, ethnographic artifacts, and so on. Cultural heritage researchers and art historians can learn about the history of a piece of art or an artifact while preserving instead of affecting the work - as opposed to other techniques, even micro-sampling.

For example, with paintings, spectroradiometers such as the PSR+ 3500 or SR-3500 can be used to characterize, differentiate, and map the painting's materials, especially its pigments. In addition, artwork can be analyzed for authenticity based on the pigments and other materials an artist used. Analysis can be done in a lab setting or on-site - eliminating the need to remove, pack, and ship delicate artwork. These spectroradiometers can go to the museum, gallery, or the field.

The PSR+ 3500 and SR-3500 both use three photodiode array detectors to cover the following ranges :

  • 512 element Si array – 350-1000nm
  • 256 InGaAs array – 1000-1900nm
  • 256 InGaAs array – 1900-2500nm

The PSR+ 3500 and SR-3500 deliver the following capabilites:

  • Spectral resolution 350—2500nm UV/VIS/NIR full range, fast, one-touch scanning
  • Compact, lightweight and reliable with no moving parts
  • Autoexposure, autoscaling, and auto dark current shutter
  • Easy to set up anywhere
  • Long-term stability
  • DARWin SP Data Acquisition software captures spectra in ASCII format for use with third party software—no pre- processing required

Avoid the limitation and problems associated with sampling and analysis by using SPECTRAL EVOLUTION's spectroradiometers for non-invasive/nondestructive research.

PSR+ field spectroradiometer for remote sensingSR-Series spectroradiometers

PSR+ 3500 and SR-3500 Spectroradiometers

The PSR+ 3500 and SR-3500 spectroradiometers help researchers bring the power and non-destructive
measurement capabilities of spectroscopy to bear on the study of artifacts. They can be used to identify
pigments in paintings, frescos, and other works of art on-site - without taking samples from delicate
pieces and bringing them back to the lab.